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barking collie

15.08.2005

why is it my dog is quiet in the car untill he sees sheep or cows,he then goes mad barking at them and continues for ages after.he is a border collie about 3yrs.
He also doesnt want people to leave the house when they have been visiting.




hi Zoe

the answer is in the title of your question - he is a border collie!

these dogs have been selectively bred for generations to herd stock, and he is only following his instincts by getting excited by the sight of sheep

equally, he is trying to 'herd' your visitors and keep them penned up!

in my experience, trying to modify behaviour against an animals powerful natural instincts is tricky and never short-winded

I have to keep one of my jack russels on a lead wherever there are bunnies for just this reason - no matter how much you scold, he develops a sudden deafness when a bunny runs away from him ( and joggers ankles count about the same though he is learning to leave them alone as he gets older and more mature!)




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